Show and Share, and so much more

It’s always fun to have a “show and share” time at Nursery School so children can bring in some of their favourite toys to show to their friends.

The experience serves many purposes for a pre-schooler. Sometimes known as “bring and brag”, it provides an opportunity for kids to flaunt their stuff, but in reality it’s much more than that.

First of all, it encourages children to share their own possessions with another. It’s easy at a child care centre for children to share the toys, because they don’t feel any ownership over the play materials. They belong to the centre, not to the child, and they know that. However, when kids bring an item from home that belongs to them, they tend to be more possessive, and understandably so. “Show and share” offers the learning experience for

children of allowing others to play and interact with their toys.

Although some kids may be hesitant at first, they soon learn that it may be fun to see others enjoying their stuff and provides new play opportunities for everyone.

Chance to stand in front of the class

Show and share time also gives each child a chance to stand in front of the class, with the attention of all of their peers, and speak to the group. For many children, this is no big deal. They’re already confident, sure of themselves and used to being the centre of attention.

For others, however, speaking up in front of a group can be intimidating, threatening and downright scary. Encouraging this experience at the pre-school level will help children overcome some of the anxiety they may have, making it easier each time they do it. Many adults too become nervous when addressing a group, but we all have to do so at some time, so it’s worth giving it a shot.

While it may be challenging for some children to speak in front of the class, for others the difficult task is listening. Some children are so used to being in the spotlight and being heard, even when they interrupt, that the simple art of being quiet and paying attention when another person is speaking can seem very foreign. “Be a listener,” I remind them, when they begin to interrupt. “We listened to you when you showed us your truck; now it’s your turn to listen to Michael.”

A simple reminder is usually all that’s necessary. The children learn the meaning of respect for others.

Q. and A. is positive

We ask questions about the child’s item to encourage conversation and information sharing. We might ask, “Where did you get this toy?”; “Who gave it to you?”; “What do you like to do with it?”; “How does it work?”; “What do you like best about it?”; “What makes it so much fun?”; “Why did you choose this toy to bring to school?”

Plenty of open-ended questions instigate meaningful conversation and a positive exchange of information.

It’s always interesting to see what type of items children choose to bring for “show and share”. Often it’s the new battery-operated toy that makes plenty of noise and flashes lights that captivate the child. New electronic guitars that play tunes when you press a button; remote control cars that appear to move all by themselves; dinosaurs that roar and show sharp teeth; furry animals that purr and cuddle; or walkie-talkies that talk are all

popular choices.

There are always a few that bring in the simple, old-fashioned toys like baby dolls, Tonka dump trucks, books, teddy bears or dinky cars that capture the child’s heart and imagination.

And once in a while, even with all the new toys the child has received, he will drag in his old monkey or pony, worn and shabby, with some of the fur rubbed off and the colour fading, and proudly hold it up in front of the class by the tail as his most favourite toy ever.

Show and share time is fun and entertaining, and gives everyone an equal chance to be in the spotlight. The children look forward to these special times at school and remember the feeling of pride and satisfaction for days to come.

Lila Hope-Simpson is the Director of the Home and Heart Nursery School in Wolfville